The Atlantic County Police Training Center is now accepting applications for the next Alternate Route Program that allows eligible residents to enroll in a 23-week basic police training course without first being hired by a police agency. Graduates of the Alternate Route Program will qualify for a State of New Jersey Police Training Commission certificate upon employment.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 with a minimum of 60 college credits prior to the start of training. Two years active military duty or a combination of college and military may be substituted. They must also possess a valid New Jersey drivers license and pass a drug test.

Applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process, including a written examination, physical agility test, oral interview, psychological evaluation, medical exam and a preliminary background investigation. Selected candidates will be responsible for all costs associated with the program, estimated at $3,000-$4,000 per person, including $1,000 for tuition and $500 for ammunition.

Applications must be picked up in person at the Atlantic County Police Training Center, 5033 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A $50 application fee is required at time of receipt, payable by check or money order to “Treasurer, County of Atlantic.” The application fee covers the cost of testing and includes a test study guide.

Testing will be weighted; 60 percent for written exam and 40 percent for oral interview. Applicants who are successful in completing the initial written and physical tests will be scheduled for an interview. The top percentage of those applicants will then undergo background checks.

A list of finalists will be notified of pending acceptance to the police academy following the results of the medical and psychological examinations. Failure to complete any portion of the testing procedure on time will result in the applicant’s removal from the process. For more information, call Mike Fadden at the Police Academy at 609-407-6726 or e-mail
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